​Tigerair Australia pilots to take industrial action

Tigerair Australia pilots will undertake limited industrial action from 4-9 January and from 11-18 January.

The Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) says that 90% of the airline’s pilots have approved taking industrial action.

“From tomorrow, Tigerair pilots will commence their action by not performing any work on rostered days off, annual leave days or days free of duty,” says AFAP.

“Industrial action in the form of other low-level bans conceived to minimise disruption to passengers was originally planned for December 2018, however this was suspended following Tigerair’s successful application to the Fair Work Commission.”

AFAP industrial officer James Lauchland notes that most of the airline’s pilots work on days off, and that the airline relies on this.

“This action simply involves pilots working to rule and refusing to offer this discretionary effort. If the company can’t find another way to crew these flights, we are likely to see a large impact on Tigerair flights during the busy January holiday period.”

AFAP has said it was pushing for a 2.5% annual increase in pilots’ pay for two years, but talks with the airline have stalled despite reaching an in-principle agreement in May 2018.